01 April 2005

Iraqi citizens pass a checkpoint, manned by the Iraqi Police, during a pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, for the celebration of Arba'een on March 27, 2005. For Shia Muslims, the Arba'een is the ending of a 40-day mourning that started with Aashura on Feb. 19. The Aashurah festival commemorates the death of Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in 680 as he fought for control of the Muslim leadership. Pic: Photographer's Mate 1st Class (AW) Brien Aho, U.S. Navy.